Converse Basketball Signs Eight

Spartanburg, S.C. – Converse College Basketball coach, Brett Phillips, has announced the signing of eight players for the 2007-2008 season. With the loss of four players to graduation, the staff has hit the ground running during the “off season.” Graduation claimed the top two-post players in Lauren Mueller and Carla Kantara. Mueller, graduates as Converse’s All-Time leading rebounder and shot blocker while Kantara was a double-double performer last season. The All Stars also lost its four year starting point guard Lillian Frazier as well as a steady all-around player, Brandi Crisciteillo. “Our staff had some big shoes to fill and I feel like we have made great strides to do that” says Coach Brett Phillips, who will be entering his third year at the helm of the Converse College basketball program.

Converse signed Nikki Bryant, Kendra Bothof, Kariann Hill, Ashley Jones, Brittney Lebby, Shai Walker, Brandy Williams, and Paige Woodard.

Bryant, who hails from Newport, TN, signed during the early signing period. “Nikki has the defensive presence that we lost with Lauren and has the potential to be a solid offensive treat,” says Coach Phillips of his 6’3” signee.

Looking to help carry the post workload will be 6’2” Fort Mill High School player Kendra Bothof. “Kendra is a hard worker with good size and runs the floor extremely well. I know she will work hard to have an impact on the defensive end of the floor while contributing on the offensive side of things as well,” adds Coach Phillips about the Tega Cay, SC native.

Kariann Hill is a 5’8” combo guard who comes to Converse all the way from Illinois. Hill will be reunited with her old high school teammate and returning Converse player Ashley Arff. Kariann was an All-County performer for her high school squad. “Kari’s strength and size at either guard spot will be a tough match-up for many of our opponents. Her physical presence will help us on the defensive end of the floor,” says Coach Phillips of the Fox Lake, IL product. He adds, “The competition in practice every day between our mix of guards should be fun to watch.”

Ashley Jones comes to Spartanburg from Asheville High School. The 5’11” two-sport athlete (basketball and volleyball) was a member of two 3A State Championship teams while in the Tar Heel state. “Ashley is a smooth, hard-working, athletic player who should be a great fit for both the basketball program as well as Coach Alexander’s Volleyball team. As she gets strong throughout her college career, she will have the chance to put up some really good numbers here,” says Coach Phillips.

Brittney Lebby was an All-Region AAAA First Team standout for Rock Hill High School. She is a “true” scoring point guard that will cause havoc for Converse’s opponents with her ability to get into the pain off the dribble. “Brittney is a great player, who has the opportunity to lead this team. Her ability to score and create is going to be fun to coach, fun to watch and fun for her teammates as well. I am excited about having her here and looking for her to take control of this team from the point guard position,” says Phillips.